DJI OSMO Pocket Review - It's Probably for You

"The DJI OSMO Pocket Review, Las Vegas, and More" - Photo Podcast 670

Daily Post

The petite Metz mecablitz 26 AF-2 flash ($139) solved a big problem for me: It provides a fill light for my editorial work that can bounce and wirelessly operates off-camera, yet fits in my shirt pocket. Now that I've used it on a number of assignments, I can't imagine work without it.

The 26 AF-2 comes in six flavors: Sony, Canon, Nikon, Pentax, Fuji, and Olympus/Panasonic/Leica. I've been using the Pentax model with my Pentax KP DSLR ($799) for editorial work. I like it so much that I'm going to get a second one for my Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark II ($1,699) as well.

Overview of Feature Set

The Metz 26 AF-2 packs a lot of functionality into a small unit.

Guide Number: 85' at ISO 100 and 85mm

Coverage: 24-85mm

LED Video Light with 2 Output Levels

Tilts Upward 90 degrees

Wireless Slave TTL Functionality

Recycle Time: 0.3-8 Seconds

1st & 2nd Curtain Sync

USB Socket for Firmware Updates

Runs on 2 AAA Batteries

Wireless TTL Mode

It's a particularly good companion for cameras that have a built-in popup flash with wireless functionality, because that popup can serve as the controller for off-camera work with the Metz. The TTL exposures were quite good in wireless mode.

To set up, turn on the Metz, press the SLAVE button on the back of the unit, popup the flash on the camera, and enable Wireless TTL mode. The Metz can receive from channels 1-4, so at this point, all you have to do is take a picture.

Slave Mode enabled.

The flash does come with its own portable stand that has a tripod socket on the bottom. So it's easy to position off-camera if you're not holding it (as I usually am). The slave sensor is in the front, so I typically position the flash at a slight angle so it can see the signal emitting from the camera.

On-Camera Flash

When the Metz is mounted directly on the camera, more controls are available, such as flash exposure compensation. I tested its coverage by taking a series of shots of a brick wall. I preferred the illumination when enabling the little recessed diffuser that is part of the the unit. I use this flip up gizmo for all of my direct flash shots because it creates better edge-to-edge lighting than without it.

Recessed Diffuser pulled into place.

For most assignments, I can leave the flash on the camera in the down position, then raise it upward as needed, such as for bouncing light off the ceiling. In all honesty, the flash looks so good on the camera that it feels part of its original equipment.

LED Light

When you need a constant light source, such as for video, light painting, or even to help with your smartphone shots, the dual-power LED light is very handy. Push the LED button once, and it emits at full power, push it again and it shines at 50 percent. It's a nice option to have.

LED Light on

Firmware Updates and Current Features

There's also a USB port on the flash that can be used for firmware updates. But you better have a Windows machine handy if you want to do that. I couldn't find an updater that was Mac compatible.

List of functions for Olympus and Pentax. The list is similar for the other brands as well.

The Bottom Line

The Metz mecablitz 26 AF-2 flash is an excellent tool to provide that spot of light that we often need while working in the field. It's easy to use, effective, and affordable. And if you don't have a reliable pocket strobe for your camera, I would definitely take a look at this one.

Opening Monologue

Las Vegas was lit during CES week. Thousands of technology professionals from all over the world converged on sin city to show their inventions and discover those by others. I was in the middle of it all, and with me was the DJI OSMO Pocket to record the sights and sounds of this consumer tech wonderland. So how did it perform? Is the OSMO Pocket a breakthrough device or just another geek toy? Stay tuned for my verdict.

The DJI OSMO Pocket Review

The DJI OSMO Pocket ($350) debuted before CES with much fanfare and discussion. The petite 3-axis gimble 4K movie camera fits nicely in a top shirt pocket, but packs an incredible amount of imaging power in its svelt frame. It is not perfect, but by any reasonable measure, it is a breakthrough device.

Its highlight features include:

Gimbal Camera with 1/2.3" CMOS Sensor

Compact 4.1 oz, 4.8" High Design

Up to 4K Video at 60 fps, up to 100 Mb/s

Connects to Smartphone via Mimo App

12MP JPEG or DNG Raw Still Photos

Includes Lightning & USB Type-C Adapters

Optional Wi-Fi & Bluetooth Monitoring

POV, ActiveTrack & FaceTrack Modes

Standard Time-Lapse & Motionlapse

NightShot & Panoramic Modes

The features that I was most interested in were video recording (1080p and 4K), SloMo capture, timelapse, panorama, and audio recording. Here's my opinion on all of those functions.

The Portfoliobox Tip of the Week

How do I make a Portfoliobox page private? In order to make a specific page private, you need to lock it with a password. Follow the steps below:

Click on Edit this page

Click on Settings

Check the box Password protect

Choose a password

Please note that to test this setting, you must log out from the admin panel. When you are logged in as admin, you have access to all the pages.

Photo Contest: B&W Portraits

To enter, send your best B&W portrait to thenimblephotographer@gmail.com by Jan. 22, 2019. Subject Line: B&W Portrait Contest. Make sure you have permission from the subject. Entrant must have captured the image and performed all of the post production on it. Recommended size of the image is 2000 px on the longest edge. The selected image will be featured on TheDigitalStory and the photographer will receive a 1-Year Pro Account with Portfoliobox.

To create your own Portfoliobox site, click on the tile that's on every page of TheDigitalStory or use this link to get started. If you upgrade to a Pro site, you'll save 20 percent off the $83 annual price.

5 Things to Keep in Mind When Visiting Las Vegas

The odds of having a great time in the desert wonderland increase if you follow these five tips:

Set your gambling budget before you leave, and stick to it. If you lose your money, it's gone. And throwing more money after it will not bring it back.

Alternate water and alcohol when out on the town. Have one cocktail, then one ice water. Repeat as often as necessary.

Do not accept anything handed to you on the street. Period.

Avoid rip-off cab companies. My experience is that it's best to stick with ride sharing and the monorail. But if you have to take a cab, such as from the airport to the hotel, ask what the expected price should be and if there are any add on charges beyond what the meter reads. Fares to most hotels on the strip should not be more than $23.

Shy away from over-priced restaurants. There are many fine eating establishments in Las Vegas. Do your homework first and avoid the outrageous steak houses and big name chefs.

Sonoma Coast Workshop Update

I've secured a beautiful home for us just south of Bodega Bay. This will serve as our headquarters during the event. There's plenty of room for our classroom and presentation work, plus beautiful areas for relaxing, and even sleeping accommodations for those who wish to stay there.

If you do want to join us July 17-19, and I hope you do, please visit the Workshops Signup Page and place your $100 deposit. That will secure your ability to attend when official registration begins later this month. You can also read more about the event on the TDS Workshops page.

Updates and Such

Inner Circle Members: Our current Photo Challenge is Repetitive Pattern. Check your Patreon page for the details and prize. And thanks for supporting this podcast!

B&H and Amazon tiles on www.thedigitalstory. If you click on them first, you're helping to support this podcast. And speaking of supporting this show, and big thanks to our Patreon Inner Circle members:

And finally, be sure to visit our friends at Red River Paper for all of your inkjet supply needs.

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